Handheld electronic translation tools are devices similar in size to cellphones. They are battery-operated and have varying capabilities such as pronouncing words and phrases out loud, speech-to-speech translation and dictionaries. Some common models are the JetBook, iTRAVL and Partner. These do not require a wireless signal for use (see Reference 1).
Downloadable apps are available for different types of cell phones to include Windows Mobile, Palm and iPhone. These have similar features to those on handheld translation tools, and they result in one less electronic device to carry and keep track of if you're traveling. Most translation apps are either free or low-cost. Some need to be connected to the Internet while others can operate offline (see Reference 2).
You can find a multitude of downloadable software options for your computer that are compatible with different types of operating systems. These have features such as speech-to-speech translation, text-to-speech translation, web-browsing translation and spell check. In May 2011, most software packages ranged from $59 to $116 (see Reference 3).
When you're online and just need a quick translation, interpretation websites offer limited free translations and unlimited translations with a subscription. These tools can translate typed text and entire websites; some popular free choices are offered through Google, Yahoo! and Dictionary.com (see References 4, 5 and 6).
